Admissions

The recommended maximum number of full time children (boys and girls) that can be accommodated in the school is 480. These are divided into 15 classes, two classes per year, with one bulge classes.

We try to ensure that there are no more than 30 in each class.

Admission into school

For admission to Reception - Year 6, please click on the link above or call into One Stop Shop (020 8724 8710)

For admission to Nursery, please either visit or call into school office (020 8270 4588)

Children are admitted to school in the September of the year in which they will reach their fifth birthday. This ensures all children have approximately three years in the Infant School.

We are aware of how enormous a step starting school is in a small child’s life and we will do our best to make the transition from home or nursery as smooth and as gentle as possible.

Before your child is admitted to school we need to see the child’s birth certificate and official proof of residency, eg. tenancy agreement or council tax. We will also need the name and telephone number of someone who we can contact in an emergency. If your child is sick or has an accident we may need to contact you immediately. It is your responsibility to keep your details up to date.

Admission into Nursery

We also offer a Nursery, where 52 children can attend part-time; either morning or afternoon. (Please note: Attendance at nursery does not guarantee a place in main school).

Children can be admitted into our nursery the September following their third birthday. The school office manages admissions into the nursery while admissions into reception and the school are managed by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. For details click here.

There is always the possibility that there are more applications for places than are available. When this occurs the following criteria will be used to decide how places will be allocated:-

Places in nursery classes are allocated to children those parents or carers are resident in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham in the following order or priority:

1. Children who are in the care of the local authority.
2. Children who have a brother or sister attending the school or linked junior school where applicable at the date of admission.
3. Children who live closest to a particular school at the date of admission measured by the nearest available walking route, by-ways and public highways adopted, numbered and maintained by the Borough’s Highway Department.

School Transfer

If you wish to transfer your child to or from another school within this authority, please go the One Stop Shop.

Arrangements for prospective parents to visit the school

If you are interested in your child attending Thomas Arnold Primary School an induction visit and meeting will be arranged. Staff will be happy to show you round at this meeting and answer any queries you may have. Please telephone or call to make an appointment.

School starts at 8:45 am- Please ensure that your children are on time for entering the school at this time.